Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to voltage-gated potassium channels.

Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels (KV)

Ion channels that open in response to membrane depolarization, allowing K+ ions to flow out, contributing to repolarization during action potentials.

Resting Membrane Potential (RMP)

The membrane potential of a neuron at rest, typically around -65 mV.

Inactivation

The process by which voltage-gated potassium channels close after opening, preventing further ion flow until the next action potential.

Selectivity Filter

Part of the ion channel structure that allows specific ions, like K+, to pass while preventing others.

C-type Inactivation

A slow process of inactivation in potassium channels resulting from conformational changes in the selectivity filter.

N-type Inactivation

A process where the inactivation gate formed by hydrophobic residues plugs the pore of the potassium channel.

Auxiliary β subunits

Proteins that regulate the surface expression and function of voltage-gated potassium channels.

PIP2

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, a lipid that can modulate the function of potassium channels and prevent N-type inactivation.

Ion Channel Kinetics

The study of the rates of ion flow through ion channels, including activation and inactivation dynamics.

Potassium Channelopathies

Diseases or disorders caused by mutations or dysfunctions in potassium channels, affecting neuronal excitability and function.